Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 22 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reiterated the commitment of the Indian government to weed out Naxalism by March 31, 2026. He appealed to the Naxalites to give up arms and join the mainstream.
"I had said that on March 31, 2026, this country will be free from Naxalism, and I would like to reiterate today that the way the security forces have shown valour, we will definitely achieve this goal," Shah said while addressing the gathering here.
Shah made an appeal to Naxalites engaged in armed resistance to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream. He said that the Chhattisgarh government's surrender policy allows those who give up arms to contribute to the development of the state.
"Vishnu Deo Sai has curated a very impressive surrender policy; come and surrender and contribute to the development of Chhattisgarh. It did not require any talk. Have faith in the government. Surrender your arms and join the mainstream," the Home Minister said.
He lauded the efforts of the Chhattisgarh government for intensifying the stalled anti-naxal operations and encouraging the police and security forces. Shah said that significant breakthroughs were being achieved under Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo and Deputy CM Vijay Sharma.
"The biggest achievement of Vishnu Deo Sai's government in Chhattisgarh and the state's Home Minister, Vijay Sharma, is that they started the stalled anti-Naxal operation at a fast pace. I have seen that since the formation of the government, both leaders have not only accelerated the anti-Naxal operation but also guided it from time to time. It has encouraged the police and security forces and carried forward this fight efficiently," Shah said.
"On behalf of the government of India, I extended greetings to Vijay Sharma and CM Sai for their effort in the field of Naxalism," he added.
Shah remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his centenary year and credited him with creating Chhattisgarh. He announced that the government has decided to celebrate 25 years of Chhattisgarh as "Atal Nirman Year."
"This is the centenary year of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I have been coming to Chhattisgarh for the last 11 years. I can confidently say that all the credit for the creation of Chhattisgarh goes to our leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The entire credit for beautifying Chhattisgarh goes to the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chhattisgarh government is celebrating its 25th year, and it has been decided to celebrate the year of establishment as Atal Nirman Year," he added.
Laying the foundation stones for the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) and Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Nava Raipur, Shah said that it would further advance and strengthen the criminal justice system of Chhattisgarh and central India.
"Today marks an important day for Chhattisgarh's criminal justice system. In a way, three new initiatives are being started to further advance the criminal justice system: The laying of the foundation stones for National Forensic Science University and Central Forensic Science Laboratory laid today along with the transit campus of NFSU inaugurated," the Union Home Minister said.
"The move will strengthen the criminal justice system in central India," he added.
Shah informed that the Chhattisgarh government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth Rs 5,000 crore at the investment summit held this year, which would bring industries to the state.
"Chhattisgarh's i-Hub has also been inaugurated. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth Rs 5,000 crore has been signed at an investment summit organised by CM Vishnu Deo Sai. The industries are coming. However, until the youth does not push themselves to be industrialists, Chhattisgarh will not witness an industrial revolution (development)," he said.
Talking about the Innovation Hubs in Chhattisgarh, the Union Home Minister encouraged the youth to pursue careers in starting industries and developing such a culture that would allow the state to develop.
"i-hub will ensure technical and financial help to the youths in establishing their startups. This will provide a major opportunity and platform for the youths of Chhattisgarh. Until the youth here becomes MSME industrialist and develops a culture of this kind, Chhattisgarh cannot develop," Shah added.
Meanwhile, Shah informed that the NFSU campus will be constructed at Rs 145 crore, and the CFSL will be constructed at Rs 123 crore. "The top forensic science institutes will be constructed at a total cost of Rs 268 crore. The state government has given land for the same."
Home Minister shared details about the courses to be offered by NFSU and appealed to the youth to show confidence in the Narendra Modi government, assuring that employment is guaranteed after graduating from NFSU.
"Trust the Modi government, NFSU ka graduation matlab apki naukri ki guarantee hai (employment is guaranteed after graduating from NFSU)," Shah said, adding, "The development of these instituted will reduce the dependency on big cities for forensic sample examination."
He lauded the Chhattisgarh government for implementing new criminal laws, including Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
"The Chhattisgarh government is working very well on implementing three critical laws. Implementing these laws will ensure that justice is served within three years of registering an FIR," Shah said.
Shah also held a security review (Suraksha Sameeksha) meeting in Nava Raipur.